If there’s one thing Thor, my German Shepherd, absolutely loves, it’s the smell of meat cooking.
Steak, chicken, ground beef… if there’s seasoning in the air, he’s by my side with that mesmerized look.
And I’ll be honest: I’ve let a few bits fall off my plate before, and he devoured them in seconds.
But I learned — the hard and scary way — that seasoned meat is not suitable for dogs. Especially not for big dogs like Thor who eat with enthusiasm.
It might sound like an overreaction. After all, it’s just meat, right? But the real problem is the seasoning, not the meat itself.
And once you understand how your dog’s body works, your perspective changes.
Why should large dogs avoid seasoned meat?
One of the first things I learned is that large dogs eat more, so if they develop a taste for seasoned meat, they’re likely to eat it in large quantities — and that means higher exposure to harmful ingredients.
Here are the biggest offenders hiding in our seasonings:
- Onion and garlic (in any form): extremely toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia and even organ failure.
- Excess salt: causes dehydration, kidney overload, and can lead to high blood pressure.
- Spicy seasonings and condiments: can irritate the stomach and intestines, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
- Bouillon cubes and meat flavorings: often contain MSG, preservatives, and loads of sodium — all bad for dogs.
Thor, being a classic German Shepherd, has a big appetite. He’d eat an entire plate of barbecue if I let him.
But what’s delicious to us can mean painful digestion — or worse — for them.
The scare with Thor
One Sunday, we had a barbecue at home. As always, Thor was the star of the event, wagging his tail and working the crowd. Of course, everyone wanted to give him “just a little piece.”
By the end of the day, he had eaten meat seasoned with salt, marinades, and even a piece with onion.
That night, things got bad: Thor had gas, threw up, and was visibly uncomfortable. We rushed him to the vet. Thankfully, we caught it in time.
After that day…
I never let seasoned meat near his bowl again. Now, when I want to treat him, I make plain shredded chicken or small bits of lean beef cooked in water with no seasoning.
And you know what? Thor still loves it! He doesn’t care about salt or garlic — what matters is being included and cared for.
What to give instead of seasoned meat?
If you want to treat your pup with something special, here are some safe options:
- Plain cooked or grilled meat (no seasoning at all)
- Shredded chicken cooked in water
- Unsalted purees of pumpkin or sweet potato
- Natural dog-safe treats
These are not only healthier but help diversify your dog’s meals in a safe way.
Thor is still the same: food-obsessed, smart, and crazy about kitchen smells.
But now I make sure that he eats well and lives longer. Because real love also means knowing when to say “no.”
And when he gives me those big begging eyes… I’ve got a safe, tasty treat ready just for him. 🐾❤️